Band Filling or Tightening

I had lap band 3 weeks ago and I am having no problems eating anything that I want. Except a much smaller portion. I would call what I am doing "grazing" which I am afraid is going to be the failure for me. I am having my first restriction done on Thursday. What can I expect is it filled to max or do they slowly fill it over time. I am unsure how this works. Any guidance would help. Thanks.

 Each surgeon is different on how they approach band fills, but it would be most unusual to "fill to max".  That could cause you lots of difficulty with eating and drinking.

The more common course is that you will get some fluid added on Thursday  (usually called "fills" or "adjustments") and it will be anywhere from .5cc to 3cc's (or more).. depending on your doctor's views and what kind of band you got.

Many times, the first fill is not enough to give you good appetite control, and it will take 2 or 3 to get to the point where your appetite is suppressed.

You may want to get some books on banding to help your understanding.  Jessie Ahroni has a very good book and so does Jean McMillan.

Hope this helps a bit.

Lisa,

Thank you for the information. I will look into those authors that you mentioned. Now I know what to expect. I thought you get the band they give you three weeks to heal and then tighten to the max. But from what you are telling me it is not that way. I will have to ask more questions when I go next time. Thanks so much for responding.  Liz...

Just to add a word to the wise, it is always better to keep your band on the loose side. The tighter it is the more you will have problems with it. It shouldn't be used to keep you from swallowing by being too tight but to painlessly let you know not to eat anymore. You will learn over time when that is. Good luck to you and always feel free to ask questions here, someone will answer you!

i am six months post-op and have had 5 fills so far. At the last fil (which takes me to 6.5cc in a 14cc band) I finally have some restriction. So hang in there and take this time to start making healthy choices and start exercising.

I'm glad you posted this, as I was starting to feel a little weird about not losing as quickly as I thought I would. I'm getting my first fill on Thursday morning as well!

Oh we will have to keep in touch. I am a little nervous because I need this restriction to work for me right now I feel that I am not restricted enough or at all. I have lost 15 lbs in three weeks which is not bad. But I worry about Thursday. Did I gain??? I have been grazing around the house because I cannot do a meal. We shall see. Let me know how you do on Thursday and I will do the same! Thanks for being in the same boat and responding. Liz

Congratulations on your surgery and your loss so far.  But you confused me when you said you can't eat a meal?  Why not?

I feel that I cannot sit and eat with my family as I will over eat. I cook for them and try to keep busy while they are eating because it is like a tease. Maybe that is just my mind playing tricks on me. This lifestyle is not only life altering physically but also mentally for me too. Am I making any sense???